Mineral Wells Area News

WILLOW PARK, Texas — Amy Fennell, a former Willow Park councilwoman and small business owner, announced her candidacy Tuesday for Texas House District 60, challenging incumbent Rep. Mike Olcott in the Republican primary with a platform focused on property tax reform and local control of education.

Fennell, a grandmother and real estate investor raised in rural East Texas, said she aims to represent both the suburban and rural communities that make up the district, which includes Parker, Palo Pinto and Stephens counties.

“I am running to protect our schools, secure our water, lower our property taxes, and make sure government focuses on the basics,” Fennell said in a statement announcing her campaign.

The Republican candidate criticized the state Legislature’s creation of what she called a “$1 billion entitlement program” for private school students, arguing the funds should have been used to reduce property taxes instead. Fennell pledged to reform the property tax system and what she described as “oppressive appraisal practices.”

On education, Fennell said she would push for increased state funding for special education programs and work to eliminate state testing requirements. She advocated for returning educational decisions to local parents and communities rather than state officials in Austin.

Fennell also outlined plans to address water infrastructure challenges facing the district’s three counties, saying she would bring together citizens, water experts and local leaders to develop long-term solutions.

Fennell drew a direct contrast with Olcott, pledging to vote solely in the district’s interests rather than at the direction of major donors. She criticized what she sees as the current representative’s alignment with outside interests.

Fennell will face Olcott in the March 2026 Republican primary. The district encompasses Parker, Palo Pinto and Stephens counties, including suburban areas west of Fort Worth and rural communities around Mineral Wells.

According to her campaign, Fennell’s background includes experience in small business ownership and real estate investment in addition to her previous service on the Willow Park City Council.

More information about her campaign is available at AmyFennellForTexas.com.